Frequently Asked Questions

At Meals on Wheels Central Texas, we’re all about making sure older adults can live safely, comfortably, and with dignity at home. Our volunteers deliver thousands of hot and freshly cooked meals five days a week, providing nutrition, a well-being check, and human connection. It’s all about The Power of the Knock.

We reduce hunger, malnutrition, social isolation, and healthcare costs while enabling our neighbors to live safely, comfortably, independently, and with dignity at home.

Over 97% of neighbors report that our services help them remain independent and feel safer. Nearly 80% report feeling less lonely.

Unlike other meal delivery services, both non-profit and for-profit, we provide a community-driven approach that integrates meal delivery with well-being checks and a suite of supportive services tailored to each neighbor's needs.

• Volunteer: Deliver meals, help in our office, and support our programs in whatever way works best for you.
• Donate: Your gift provides food, care, and essential resources for our neighbors.
• Advocate: Spread the word about Meals on Wheels Central Texas to your friends, family, coworkers, community members, and political leaders.

A majority of our funding comes from private donations and community contributions, with the rest coming from a combination of federal, state, and local government support.

We serve the Greater Austin Area, including Travis and surrounding counties in Central Texas.

It represents more than a meal delivery—it includes a friendly visit, a well-being check, and access to life-enhancing services that support independence and dignity for our neighbors.

By providing daily human interaction through meal deliveries and well-being checks, we combat social isolation and promote a sense of connection. Additionally, there is a considerable amount of independent research showing that individuals who actively volunteer also enjoy both physical and mental health benefits as a result of their service.

Volunteers are asked to report any concerns regarding the neighbor’s current situation they observe during their delivery interactions. These simple and non-intrusive well-being checks serve multiple purposes, including addressing critical needs as well as increasing the confidence of our neighbors living alone while helping reduce loneliness and isolation they may be experiencing.

The individuals we serve are not our clients but are, in fact, our neighbors. From our founding in 1972 by eight dedicated volunteers who prepared and delivered meals to their neighbors in need, Meals on Wheels Central Texas has always been an organization focused on neighbors serving their neighbors.

You can stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter through our website (www.mowctx.org or www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org), following us on social media platforms, and by attending and engaging with us at the events we participate in across the community.

No! We are independently incorporated and operated, with our headquarters, leadership, and all operations based in Central Texas. We use the Meals on Wheels of America (MOWA) logo under license but are not managed, governed, or in any way operated by MOWA.

Meals on Wheels and More, Inc., D/B/A Meals on Wheels Central Texas

3227 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702

Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity incorporated in the State of Texas. Our EIN is 23-7202594.

An independent Board of Directors is responsible for fiduciary oversight of the organization as well as for hiring, managing, and terminating (if required) the President/CEO. The President/CEO in turn hires his or her executive leadership team.

• Henry Van de Putte III, President & CEO
• Jake Peters, Chief Operations Officer
• Seanna Marceaux, Chief of Strategy and Impact
• Melanie Alexander, Chief People Officer
• Marsha Wier, Executive Director of In-Home Care
• Katy Avenson, Contract Chief Financial Officer
• Paul Secord, Chief Advancement Officer

Ten independent community leaders currently serve on our Board of Directors. They are listed on our website here: Board of Directors

Seven times a year, usually on the last Thursday of the months of January, March, April, May, July, September, and November.

Our In-Home Care division was initially an independent non-profit that was acquired by Meals on Wheels Central Texas in 2016 to provide enhanced financial and organizational stability to that organization and those it served. It remains a subsidiary of MOWCTX because of licensure and other operational reasons, but the Board of Directors of MOWCTX In-Home Care is appointed by and duplicative of the general MOWCTX Board of Directors.

Home-Delivered Meals: Over 2,200 hot, fresh, medically-tailored meals are delivered daily to older adults and homebound neighbors.

Congregate Lunch Centers: Operate 18+ lunch centers across Central Texas where older adults (60+) can enjoy a hot, nutritious meal in community with friends. Most of the Congregate Lunch Centers also offer social programming, which is provided either by MOWCTX or, in some cases, by the City of Austin Parks & Rec Department or other partners.

In-Home Care: Professional caregivers provide companionship and assist older adults and individuals living with disabilities with activities of daily living including personal care, and with tasks in the home and community.

And More: Our “And More” programs provide additional, case-specific supports for neighbors including:

• Home Repair: Offers critical home repairs and safety modifications like wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms.
• CARE Program: Provides wraparound support for extended needs, including rental and utility assistance and emergency support for unique needs.
• HOPE (Healthy Options Program for the Elderly): Provides monthly deliveries of shelf-stable groceries to neighbors, supplementing their nutritional needs and ensuring they have access to healthy food options.
• GTG (Groceries to Go): Pairs neighbors with a volunteer who takes them grocery shopping on a weekly basis, providing them the opportunity to prepare their own meals and maintain independence. The neighbor purchases their groceries but support and transportation is provided by a volunteer.
• CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders): A neighbor-centric evidence-based program established by Johns Hopkins University that combines the expertise of occupational therapists, registered nurses, and handypeople to address both the home environment and the personal goals of older adults, enhancing their safety and independence.
• PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors): Recognizes the deep bond between neighbors and their pets by providing pet food, supplies, basic veterinary care, and emergency boarding, ensuring that both neighbors and their animal companions remain healthy and together.

We provide medically tailored, freshly prepared meals designed by registered dietitian nutritionists and crafted by skilled chefs to meet the dietary needs of our neighbors.

Meals are delivered directly to neighbors’ homes by our dedicated volunteers during designated delivery times. We employ a team of paid drivers to fill in if a volunteer is unable to make their deliveries to ensure no neighbor is left without their daily meal and wellness check. During the delivery, a friendly wellness check is also provided, helping to reduce loneliness and increase confidence in living independently.

Yes, our meals are medically tailored to address the most common chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. In addition, all meals meet national requirements for Dietary Reference Intake and follow the most current Dietary Guidelines.

Our meals are designed to meet various dietary requirements. We currently offer six special diets, including general health, digestive friendly, renal friendly, soft, and pureed. All these diets are diabetes-friendly and heart-friendly. Specific needs can be discussed during the assessment process to ensure appropriate accommodations.

Neighbors can cancel a meal by notifying us through the appropriate channels provided during the enrollment process, including by calling 512-476-MEAL (6325) no later than 5:00 PM the day before your delivery.

While our primary focus is on older adults, i.e. those over the age of 65 (60+ in the case of our Congregate Lunch Centers), adults living with disabilities, veterans, and other individuals may also qualify for certain services. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Factor Health is a research collaborative with Dell Medical School’s Factor Health platform to test the impact of our Medically-Tailored Meals (MTMs) and delivery model with human connection on diabetes management and the mental health of our neighbors.

Typically, individuals over the age of 65 or otherwise living with disabilities who are mostly homebound, unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves, without consistent daytime assistance, able to accept meals during delivery times, and reside in the Greater Austin Area may qualify. Each applicant is assessed during the onboarding process to ensure eligibility.

Interested individuals can begin the intake process for services through the Meals on Wheels Central Texas website by completing the application form provided at https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/get-involved/interested-in-receiving-services or by calling 737-218-4122.

Yes, you may can begin the intake process on behalf of another person by completing the application form provided at https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/get-involved/interested-in-receiving-services or by calling 737-218-4122. Please note that the intended recipient must be involved in the ongoing intake and onboarding process.

No, our services are inclusive and based on need, not income.

No. Our meals are paid for through a combination of the generous support of thousands of donors every year as well as through State and Federal Funds.

Referrals can be made by contacting us directly through our website or by phone. https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/get-involved/interested-in-receiving-services or 737-218-4122. Please note that the intended recipient must be involved in the ongoing intake and onboarding process.

After applying, a professional Meals on Wheels Central Texas Team Member will conduct an in-home assessment to determine eligibility and discuss individual needs. While this intake process will move as quickly as possible, please note that Meals on Wheels Central Texas is not an emergency food provider and the intake and onboarding process can take several weeks to complete.

Call the intake line at 737-218-4122 or complete the form on our website at https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/programs/home-repair-needs.

Call us at 512-477-CARE (2273) or submit an inquiry at https://mowct.tfaforms.net/435091. A member of our intake team will contact you to complete a phone assessment and discuss options within 48 hours.

Neighbors currently receiving meals are eligible for the PALS program after one year of meal delivery services, subject to available spots in the program. Neighbors already receiving meal service who would benefit from the services of the PALS program may call 512-476-MEAL (6325) to speak with a member of our professional staff.

Neighbors 60+ (or living with someone 60+) interested in joining a congregate site can sign up by visiting a congregate location. Most sites do meal service between 10am and 1pm, but not all sites operate every day of the week. To see a list of sites go to https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/programs/senior-centers or to confirm operational hours, call 512-476-MEAL (6325), Option 6, to connect with the congregate team to verify. Meal service can begin the same day after completing intake forms on site.

Most of these programs require a neighbor to also be receiving meal service to qualify for rent and utility assistance. During a home assessment, each neighbor who may require more assistance is logged and referred to the Care team. Neighbors already receiving meal service who need emergency assistance may call 512-476-MEAL (6325) to speak with a member of our professional staff.

We offer a range of non-clinical services to help individuals live in their homes safely, with dignity and independence. Our services include:

• Personal Care Services: Assistance with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, skin and hair care), incontinence care, assistance with meals, medication reminders, assistance with walking and/or exercise, prescription pick-up, and accompaniment to/from medical appointments.
• Homemaker Services: Help with laundry, shopping, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.
• Supportive Services: Respite care to provide family caregivers a rest, prescription pick-up, accompaniment to/from medical appointments, companionship, and any combination of the above services.
• Errand and Task Assistance: Assistance with mail and prescription pick-up, shopping, laundry, meal preparation, organizing items around the house, and other important tasks to ensure safety and comfort at home.